Hearing the mention of the old lady, Adeline finally paused for a moment. She lowered her gaze to Michelle’s eyes, brimming with hypocrisy, and after a brief silence, she slowly spoke, “Alright, I’ll go.”
“Fantastic!” Michelle immediately flashed a radiant smile. “Let’s head out now!”
The two walked one after the other out of the villa and got into the car. The atmosphere inside was unusually quiet, with only the low rumble of the engine echoing around them.
The driver, sitting in the front passenger seat, carefully observed the expressions of the two in the back through the rearview mirror, only to find each looking more detached and inscrutable than the other.
“Adeline, Michelle broke the silence first, turning slightly toward her with a probing tone, I’ve really been wanting to have a proper chat with you..
“About what?” Adeline lifted her eyelids for a brief moment to look at her. Her gaze was icy, sending shivers down the spine.
Michelle was momentarily stunned by the sharpness, but quickly regained her composure, continuing in a soft, harmless voice, “About our relationship, of course. I know I’ve made many mistakes in the past, upset you, and worried mom… so, I hope we can start over, okay?”
“Start over?” Adeline chuckled dryly, her smile full of sarcasm. “Start over, so I can trust you again and then get betrayed once more, is that it?”
Her words hit Michelle like a punch to the chest, freezing her smile instantly, though she struggled to maintain a facade of calm, “Adeline, I really do realize my mistakes.”
“No need” Adeline cut her off mercilessly. “I don’t need your apologies, nor your pretense. If you called me out today just to say this nonsense, then we can just go back.
Hearing this, the driver couldn’t help but sneak a peek in the rearview mirror, only to see Michelle’s facade collapse and Adeline’s expressionless face, looking like a statue devoid of any warmth,
Silence fell once again in the car, a suffocating atmosphere lingering until they arrived at the entrance of Orchard Square, where it eased slightly.
Stepping out of the car, they encountered several acquaintances at the entrance of the shopping mall.
These ladies were well–known figures in Vale City’s elite circles. Seeing Adeline and Michelle together, each displayed a meaningful smile, with some even whispering, “Look, isn’t that Ms. Dustin? Haven’t seen her in years and she still looks as striking…”
While these comments seemed complimentary on the surface, they were laden with mockery and sarcasm.
Standing by, Michelle pretended not to understand and responded with a sweet, harmless smile, “Thank you for the compliments; my sister has always been outstanding!”
This response drew even more attention, with some beginning to discreetly take photos, deliberately aiming their cameras at Adeline’s frosty yet stunningly beautiful face.
Amid the stares and whispers, Adeline maintained her silence, her detached and slightly warning gaze sweeping the surroundings, quickly causing those who attempted to approach to retreat, not daring to provoke further.
Just then, a familiar and grating voice called out from nearby-
“Look, isn’t that Ms. Dustin? Haven’t seen her in years and she still looks as striking.
Standing at the entrance of the mall, the cold wind blew behind her, but she seemed unfazed, her dark eyes calm and undisturbed. Michelle clung to her arm, her smile almost too sweet to be genuine, “Adeline, let’s go inside. The dresses here are the finder do all af Vale Cinc
1/2
M
Chapter 26 No Dress for Distress
chance
。
+8 Pearls
A few chuckles came from the crowd, with someone whispering just loud enough for Adeline to hear, “Years apart, and she really has… a unique flair.”
“Exactly,” another voice joined in. There’s always something different about someone who’s come out of prison.”
Pretending not to hear, Michelle waved and said, “Let’s pick out a dress first, then catch up later. Turning to Adeline, she spoke in a soft yet firm tone, “Let’s go, Adeline.”
Adeline stepped into the mall, her gaze sweeping over those who watched her openly or covertly, not pausing for a moment. She seemed utterly oblivious to the cutting remarks and the scrutinizing, disdainful looks.
Inside the boutique, the lighting was brilliant, each dress a meticulously crafted work of art. Michelle affectionately linked arms with Adeline, guiding her to a display rack, “Adeline, what do you think of this one? The red really complements your skin tone.”